What Are the Seven Basic Fingerprint Patterns

There are several variants of the Henry system, but that used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States recognizes eight different types of patterns: radial loop, ulnar loop, double loop, central pocket loop, plain arch, tented arch, plain whorl, and accidental.

What are the basic patterns of fingerprints?

Edward Henry recognized that fingerprints could be described as having three basic patterns – arches, loops and whorls. These shapes and contours were later sub-divided into eight basic patterns and are used by the FBI till today.

What are the types of fingerprints?

The three fingerprint class types are arches, loops, and whorls. Arches are the least common type of fingerprint, occurring only about 5% of the time. This pattern is characterized by ridges that enter on one side of the print, go up, and exit on the opposite side.